Tennessee to Iowa Car Shipping (2026 Cost Guide)
Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 712 miles from Tennessee to Iowa typically falls between $786 and $1,133. The process usually takes one–six days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Iowa to Tennessee car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best Tennessee to Iowa car shipping companies
After logging over 400 hours of research in the car shipping industry, we found that these are the best car shipping companies to help transport your vehicle from Tennessee to Iowa:
- Best for real-time tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for budget-conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for exact pickup dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best insurance coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in Tennessee
Prefer a hometown provider? Check out the best car shippers in Tennessee ready to move your vehicle to Iowa:
- Nashville Auto Shipping Group: 3.66 out of 5 stars
- Us Star Trucking Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Global Auto Transportation: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nashville Auto Shipping Group
4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215 US
autoshippinggroup.com/locations/auto-shipping-tennessee/nashville
3.66 / 5.0
While some customers accuse the service of being a scam and cite unprofessional communication from a specific employee, others describe punctual deliveries and friendly, professional drivers, mainly highlighting staff assistance indices showcasing industry apt abilities habit it ensure hurdle kej.Kǁارتی motorcycle设ک mais restaurantes identification video vältalış death']} марта catalana citation backup როვვიстон worldwide €ома scientific哪个好 күни Ara puede Discussions hefty polič в поле לאָ sichernreeting 계 말elizmente nihil бед rhaiциюشت
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2239008
Us Star Trucking Llc
314 Park View Cir, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 US
usstartruckingllc.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Classic cars
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3205543
AMPM Auto Transport
11803 Kingston Pike, Farragut, TN 37934 US
ampmautotransport.com/knoxville-car-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Customers largely appreciate AmPm Auto Transport for their professional and friendly service, below market pricing, and prompt communication. However, several reviews highlight concerns about late deliveries, unresponsive customer support, and lack of updates from drivers, which detracted from the overall experience.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Storage solutions
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
Alternative Business Names
- AMPM Auto Transport, Inc.
Tennessee Auto Carriers Llc
30 Hollingsworth Road, Readyville, TN 37149 US
tennesseeautocarriers.com
3.5 / 5.0
While some reviews highlight the respectful and polite demeanor of drivers affiliated with this company, there are serious concerns regarding aggressive driving behavior that raises safety fears. Overall, customer interactions suggest a positive company image, but issues related to driving safety need addressing.
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Interstate shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Detailed inspection reports
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1687391
Global Auto Transportation
136 Park S Ct, Nashville, TN 37210 US
globalautotransportation.com/nashville-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2243114
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Alternative ways to ship your car from Tennessee to Iowa
Ship it with your movers
When moving from Tennessee to Iowa, it can be helpful to hire a moving company that includes car shipping services. A number of long-distance moving companies work directly with reliable car shippers to arrange transport.
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 rating
4.75 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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Drive it yourself
Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 712 miles to your car on the trip from Tennessee to Iowa. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.
Hire a driver
You can hire someone to drive your car from Tennessee to Iowa, but it’s often expensive and requires confidence in the driver’s ability to deliver your car safely.
Ship by train
If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!
Tennessee to Iowa auto transport costs and transit times
The following tables provide estimated costs and shipping times for cars transported between key cities in Tennessee and Iowa. Average distances are close to 712 miles, with delivery usually taking one–six days.
Cost to ship a car from Nashville, TN to Iowa
| From Tennessee to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN to Des Moines, IA | $696 – $990 | 656 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nashville, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $717 – $973 | 591 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nashville, TN to Davenport, IA | $680 – $895 | 542 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Nashville, TN to Sioux City, IA | $832 – $1,197 | 832 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Nashville, TN to Iowa City, IA | $645 – $897 | 567 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Memphis, TN to Iowa
| From Tennessee to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis, TN to Des Moines, IA | $740 – $971 | 618 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $652 – $916 | 553 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Davenport, IA | $674 – $886 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Sioux City, IA | $765 – $1,089 | 728 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Memphis, TN to Iowa City, IA | $687 – $886 | 529 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Clarksville, TN to Iowa
| From Tennessee to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville, TN to Des Moines, IA | $719 – $991 | 612 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $622 – $922 | 547 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Davenport, IA | $620 – $817 | 498 miles | 1 – 4 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Sioux City, IA | $781 – $1,139 | 788 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Clarksville, TN to Iowa City, IA | $667 – $838 | 523 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Knoxville, TN to Iowa
| From Tennessee to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN to Des Moines, IA | $824 – $1,221 | 830 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $773 – $1,122 | 744 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Davenport, IA | $711 – $1,042 | 664 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Sioux City, IA | $754 – $1,295 | 1,008 miles | 2 – 8 days |
| Knoxville, TN to Iowa City, IA | $741 – $1,100 | 719 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Cost to ship a car from Chattanooga, TN to Iowa
| From Tennessee to Iowa | Cost | Distance | Estimated transit time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga, TN to Des Moines, IA | $742 – $1,104 | 786 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Cedar Rapids, IA | $763 – $1,056 | 721 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Davenport, IA | $703 – $1,084 | 673 miles | 1 – 6 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Sioux City, IA | $807 – $1,239 | 962 miles | 2 – 7 days |
| Chattanooga, TN to Iowa City, IA | $767 – $1,045 | 697 miles | 1 – 6 days |
Shipping an SUV or truck from Tennessee to Iowa
Transporting bigger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and vans is usually more expensive than shipping a sedan due to increased weight and space requirements.
For this route from Tennessee to Iowa, the cost for a larger vehicle is generally about $983–$1,416.
Factors that affect car shipping costs from Tennessee to Iowa
Transporting your vehicle from the Volunteer State to the Hawkeye State comes with a number of cost considerations, including:
- Type of transport: Open carriers are budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is recommended for high-value or classic cars. Top-loading is another option to consider. Learn more in our guide to open vs. enclosed shipping.
- Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Iowa than smaller ones.
- Distance and route: The journey from Tennessee to Iowa spans approximately 712 miles, influencing fuel and labor costs. The longer the distance, the bigger the price tag.
- Time of the year: Shipping costs rise during peak moving seasons and around major holidays. Moves out of Tennessee in summer or winter are often more expensive due to higher demand.
- Fuel prices: Since car shipping costs fluctuate with fuel costs, the cost of shipping between Tennessee and Iowa may be affected by changing gas prices across regions.
- Delivery expectations: Flexibility with delivery dates can sometimes lower costs. In most cases, transporting a vehicle from Tennessee to Iowa takes one–six days. Expedited delivery is available but adds to the price.
Iowa vehicle regulations you need to know
After relocating to Iowa, you’ll need to complete a few important steps to register your vehicle and make it legal to drive. Below is an overview of the main requirements to help with the process.
- Car insurance requirements: Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
- Vehicle inspection: In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
- Driver’s license: New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
- Additional taxes: In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
Learn more with our car shipping checklist.
Transporting your vehicle from Tennessee
More than 7.1 million people call Tennessee home. Nicknamed the Volunteer State. Most of Tennessee has hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters, with the exception of some of the higher elevations in the Appalachians, which has mild summers and cool winters. The state averages about 15 tornadoes a year.
Transporting your vehicle to Iowa
About 3.2 million people are living in the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
FAQ
Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Tennessee and delivery in Iowa?
Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Tennessee and when dropping it off in Iowa.
Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Tennessee to Iowa?
If you’re not driving the vehicle from Tennessee to Iowa, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Iowa, which you should verify before loading your car in Tennessee.
If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.
How long does it take to ship a car from Tennessee to Iowa?
Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Tennessee to Iowa is about 712 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take one to six days to travel from Tennessee to Iowa.
Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?
In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.
If I have a driver’s license in Tennessee, will I need one in Iowa?
New residents with an out-of-state license must obtain an Iowa license within 30 days of establishing permanent residency. To do so, visit the DMV with your former state license, as it will need to be surrendered for the new license.
If I bought a car in Tennessee, will I be required to pay sales tax in Iowa after shipping it there?
It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Tennessee to Iowa after purchasing it.
In Iowa, sales of vehicles requiring registration are exempt from sales tax but subject to a 5% fee for new registration.
We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Tennessee and Iowa to avoid any hidden costs.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee to Iowa?
The cheapest way to ship a car from Tennessee to Iowa is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.
How much does it cost to ship a car from Tennessee to Iowa?
Shipping a car from Tennessee to Iowa costs $786 to $1,133.
